If you or someone you love will be needing air ambulance transportation in the foreseeable future, then it is time to start doing a little homework. It is important to start compiling a list of air ambulance services that will be able to meet the needs.
After comprising a list of potential air ambulance transport companies, it is time to compare costs. Just like any other business or service, prices will vary.
There are many variables that can affect the cost of air ambulance transport. You can receive quotes from contacting the air ambulance service company yourself or by contacting a broker. Do be aware that the broker will find the lowest cost possible, then add an additional fee for his or her services to the cost. Whenever possible, it is wise to deal directly with the air ambulance services company.
The type of aircraft needed for the transport will directly affect the cost of the air ambulance service. It is important to know the distance of the flight before deciding on a specific type of aircraft. Cost alone should not determine the aircraft used for transport of the patient.
Another factor that influences the cost of the air ambulance service is the number and type of medical staff needed for the flight. If the patient requires two trained people on board, the cost may be dramatically less than a patient requiring an entire specialized medical team.
Frequently, the cost of the air ambulance transport will include the fee for ground transportation to and from the aircraft. This is commonly referred to as bedside to bedside service. Also, the cost often includes the cost of any additional passengers where applicable.
Many private insurance companies will cover the cost of air ambulance transportation if it is deemed to be medically necessary. It is wise to check with your insurance provider before calling to make arrangements for the air ambulance transportation, if possible.
If it is unable to prove coverage for the service before the time of the flight, secured payment is usually required. For most companies, acceptable forms of payment include major credit cards, wire transfers, certified checks, or money orders for the amount of the flight.
The actual cost of the air ambulance transport can range widely. Typically, the fees run between $10,000 and $100,000.
Due to the extreme expense of the air ambulance transport, it is advisable to compare costs whenever possible. If the patient has insurance coverage, learn the facts about what air ambulance transportation costs are covered and under what conditions. Dealing directly with the air ambulance services company can be a method for saving money by doing a little research on your own.
A broker can locate air ambulance service, but will charge additional fees. Be specific about details such as needed medical staff and type of aircraft when asking for quotes. Also, learn what specifics are included in the cost when making the decision to select one air ambulance service company over another. With a little research, patients and their family can get the best service at a great value.

Will Insurance Cover Air Ambulance Transport?
Air ambulance transportation can be extremely expensive. The cost of one trip in an air ambulance can take a chunk out of the wallet and savings. In some instances, an air ambulance transport can cost over $100,000. With such extreme fees, it seems that people can't afford to be critically ill or injured. Will insurance cover such high rates for air ambulance transport?
In many cases, insurance companies will cover air ambulance transport when it is deemed medically necessary. The insurance company may not cover every aspect of the transport, but the patient will not be left fully responsible for the charges. It is important to learn exactly what your insurance will cover and under what circumstances.
The key term here is "medically necessary". If the doctor feels the patient must be transported by air to another health care facility to receive proper treatment, then the insurance company will typically go along with the charges and pay for the air ambulance transport of the patient.
On the other hand, if someone is hurt or ill while out of the country and simply wants to fly home for treatment, the insurance company may not look upon this situation very favorably.
In such a case, the patient may be left vulnerable to all incurred charges for the air ambulance service. To protect yourself from this situation, it is possible to purchase air ambulance coverage while traveling.
Such insurance is often reasonably priced in annual or monthly installments on an individual, family, or group basis. This type of coverage will protect you, your family, and your wallet.
Typically, the air ambulance service coverage is not only reasonably priced, but available to nearly everyone. Consumers are often concerned about exemptions and denials for pre-existing conditions, but frequently there are no such exclusions in this type of coverage.
When a patient requires air ambulance services, it is standard procedure for the air ambulance company to secure payment prior to the flight whenever possible. If it is not possible to prove that insurance coverage for air ambulance service can be secured, the patient or a family member must pay the charge up front in the form of a credit card, wire transfer, money order, or other verifiable payment. For many families, coming up with this large sum of money would not only be difficult, but nearly impossible.
Keeping this in mind, it is important for you to learn what coverage you have for air ambulance services. If you are unsatisfied with the current coverage the insurance plan offers, it may be time to consider other options to protect your finances in the event of an emergency. During a medical emergency, stress is high for the entire family.
Although no one wants to use air ambulance transport, it is important to concern yourself now with this issue. Contact the insurance company today to verify the ins and outs of coverage for air ambulance transport before you really need this service. Your health and your wallet may depend on this information in the future.
|
AIR AMBULANCE Sale Price: $71.55 |
|
|
The island seemed to cast a spell over her...... Forced to land in an ice storm, the air ambulance came down on the tiny island of Heimra Beag. Because of injuries, both Alison Land, the flying nurse, and the pilot had to stay... |
![]() |
ASTNA Patient Transport: Principles and Practice, 4e (Air & Surface Patient Transport: Principles and Practice) List Price: Sale Price: $83.60 |
|
Whether you're caring for patients on the ground or in the air, this trusted, one-of-a-kind resource is an essential tool for your success in transport nursing. The 4th edition has been extensively revised to keep you up to date with the latest technological advances and help you meet the ever-changing needs of this critical nursing field... |
|
The P Plate Factor |
|
|
Statistics show that a 17 year old driver with a P1 license is four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than a driver over 26 years. Driving at night, with friends, significantly increases the risk... |
![]() |
Air & Surface Patient Transport: Principles & Practice Sale Price: $234.61 |
|
The official publication of the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association, this comprehensive and timely text is the standard reference for flight nurses and other health professionals involved in medical transportation... |
|
Coming Up for Air (Harlequin Blaze) List Price: Sale Price: $1.24 |
|
|
Subject: Army Major Chance Rawlins, Helicopter Pilot.Current Status: Soon-to-be-deployed to Afghanistan. Mission: Report to Captain Jenna Larson for a sexy, one-night inspection.Obstacle: She's mistaken him for another man!Major Chance Rawlins has a bit of a reputation, both in and outside of the helicopter cockpit... |
Posted by Irwan on November 11, 2009


